Arjuna Natural granted second European patent for turmeric extract

The European Patent Office (EPO) has granted a patent for "composition for use in treatment" to Arjuna Naturals' BCM-95 turmeric extract, which has shown efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.

The patent (EP 2 555 787 B1) concerns Arjuna’s blend of curcuminoids, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and Ar-turmerone formulated in such a way to increase free curcumin bioavailability and boost its biological activity.

In particular, the patent relates to oral supplementation of curcuminoid with essential oil of turmeric where better curcumin delivery from the supplement to the blood and tissues is better able to address conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

“This patent is an important step in building BCM-95’s position in the European market,” said Dr Benny Antony, joint managing director for Arjuna.

“Arjuna conducts several research projects to create new formulations and provide significant value.

“We are continually investing in new technologies to answer the constantly expanding needs of our customers.”

Curcumin’s bioavailability issues

Despite the array of beneficial bioactivities demonstrated by research, the bioavailability of curcumin in animals and man remains low.

In rodents, curcumin demonstrates poor systemic bioavailability after oral dosing, which may well be related to its inadequate absorption and fast metabolism.

Curcumin bioavailability may also be poor in humans as seen from the results of a study detailing turmeric extract administration in colorectal cancer patents.

Indirect evidence also suggests that curcumin is metabolised in the intestinal tract.

Cucuminoid mixture

The patent also reveals details of the 10:1 ratio proposed in formulating the curcuminoid mixture (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) and turmeric oil (45% ar-turmerone).

Its administration for depression and rheumatoid arthritis recommends a dose of 500 milligrams (mg) twice daily for 8 weeks.

In the case of osteoarthritis in humans, the composition is administered at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.

Meanwhile its administration to address Alzheimer’s disease is set at a 3-gram dose per day (g/day).

“This patent differentiates BCM-95 from other curcumins in the market, in addition to its clinical research,” a spokesperson for the India-based company said.

“Not all curcumins are equal. Consumers are seeking the best, bioavailable and bioactive  curcumin and Arjuna is offers a pure, patented formula which is 100% turmeric formulation and clinically proven safe.”

Arjuna’s latest application adds to the European patent that Arjuna already has for its BCM-95 turmeric extracts in addition to the 13 held in the US and the two in Japan.

Last year, BCM-95 was affirmed GRAS status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).